Kidding, kidding. And you had best be kidding if you pose the same question.

Of course the Yankees’ surprise acquisition of the American League home run leader Encarnacion from the Mariners doesn’t cure their starting rotation woes, just as a much-needed, 8-4 bullpen victory over the White Sox on Saturday night at Guaranteed Rate Field (worst ballpark name ever) doesn’t end their general malaise — though it does put them back atop the American League East thanks to the Rays’ 5-3 loss to the Angels.

But if this starting-pitching trade market isn’t ready to uncork — and since the Yankees fell short in their pursuit of Dallas Keuchel — then you get better how you can each day.

And the addition of Encarnacion, who will essentially replace Brett Gardner in the starting lineup once Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from the injured list in the next week or so (barring setbacks), clearly makes the Yankees better.

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“There’s always room for good players,” said a grinning Aaron Boone, who couldn’t discuss the trade specifically because the Yankees hadn’t announced it yet; they announced it after the team returned to its hotel.

Many teams and fans would prefer to win by playing crisp, all-around baseball. Nevertheless, if your personnel doesn’t afford for such a style, then bludgeoning must do the trick. And with the scheduled imports to their lineup, which has more than held its own despite Judge and Stanton being out for the majority of the campaign, the Yankees will be positioned for some major bludgeoning.

With the designated hitter-first baseman Encarnacion on board, Stanton, currently rehabilitating with Judge for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Durham, N.C., must play left field more often, which will hurt the team’s defense. The 35-year-old Gardner can replace Stanton late in games the Yankees lead, however, and he can provide value beyond that as a pinch runner, occasional starter against right-handers and clubhouse sage.

And just as the return of Didi Gregorius from the injured list enabled Boone to serve up different lineup permutations, turning DJ LeMahieu into a rover, Encarnacion’s arrival will expand such possibilities. With two big bats (Encarnacion and Luke Voit) who are most comfortable defensively at first base, LeMahieu can spend more time at third base if Gio Urshela’s quiet June (.179/.244/.359) portends the conclusion of his pinstriped honeymoon, and Urshela can transition into a trusted bench guy. Everyone — including the banged-up Judge and Stanton, and the 36-year-old Encarnacion — can enjoy more days off as the Yankees follow the “load management” lead of the NBA.

Clint Frazier, meanwhile, should get a genuine pep talk from Boone, who should commend the youngster on how he has played and conducted himself since his meltdown earlier this month and urge him to maintain that approach back down at Scranton, with the understanding that injuries got him this extended big-league opportunity and more injuries (or him being traded for a pitcher, although that shouldn’t be mentioned) are inevitable.

To lament this Yankees acquisition is to complain over the purchase of an apple when you need protein most. The apple will still help you get through your moment of hunger. And though Encarnacion will cost the Yankees about $4 million, his relocation won’t prevent the team from eventually adding arms.

“In my opinion, he’s a pro, and he’s going to fit in great here, and I know he’s going to be excited to come here,” said Yankees pitcher J.A. Happ, Encarnacion’s Blue Jays teammate from 2012-14 and again in 2016. “He doesn’t say a lot, but he works hard, and he’s prepared.”

If you want to lament that the Yankees should have stocked their pitching cabinet more capably last offseason, or contend they should have stretched their budget for Keuchel, go to town. It’s your constitutional right to do so. Those are sensible complaints.

To emote over Edwin, though? That’s just illogical. Don’t do it. Instead, enjoy the laser-show intermission and hope that the arms reinforcements arrive sooner than later.